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Dreamotion Studios films “The Other Side” music video in Seal Beach

David N. Young
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Dreamotion Studios films “The Other Side” music video in Seal Beach

A song inspired by a near-death experience came to life across Seal Beach last week as Paul James Houghton and Dreamotion Studios filmed the music video of “The Other Sides” by recording artist Lola Kristine.

Crews were busy throughout the city Feb. 7 as they raced against the weather to take advantage of the brief sunshine to film the upcoming music video. Seal Beach wasn’t the first choice for the filming but turned out to be the best, the local singer said.

Singer Lola Kristine and her band walk on the Seal Beach pier while filming.
Photo by David Nash

“We were going to film it in Detroit,” she said, “and then it kind of like got moved to Pasadena and then we were like, why not Seal Beach,” she wondered?

Her song’s co-writer, Justin Busch, works with Houghton on other projects, said Kristine, so they decided to have a discussion with Dreamotion before ultimately making the decision to move production to Seal Beach.

“I’m a surfer and I love the ocean, so it made sense,” she added.

In addition, Lola has a local fan base as she occasionally performs at the “Beach House” and has appeared locally in conjunction with the popular “Nashville on the Coast.”

Houghton said he was delighted Dreamotion was able to bring the production to town.
“I am also honored and delighted to have been able to keep this project in Seal Beach, which is home to Dreamotion Studios,” said Houghton. Both he and Kristine had compliments for Seal Beach officials on whom cooperation was required to facilitate the production.

“We could not have done this without the support of the Seal Beach city officials and staff, who have always been supportive partners,” said Houghton.

Once edited, Houghton said the video will feature Kristine, of course, but will also showcase the city’s pier, the beach, and several community locations, including the United Methodist Church.

London Houghton, left, who plays a younger Lola Kristine in the video, poses with the real Lola Kristine on set.
Photo by David Nash

Moreover, Houghton said it is exciting to be able to work with a singer/songwriter of which he is a fan.

“Upon hearing Lola’s sensational voice and music via the music producer who creates original songs for many Dreamotion Studios’ projects (Justin Busch), I created the vision board and Lola loved it,” said Houghton.

Once they agreed on Houghton’s artistic vision, they met with city officials to discuss filming on the pier and other logistics. Both Kristine and Houghton said Tim Kelsey, Recreation Coordinator, was able to approve all of the projected locations so they green lighted the project.

“The Other Side” is from her latest album “Chapters,” which she said is her most active to date. In the video, the camera follows her along the journey through various cycles, when “we re-evaluate and come back home to ourselves,” said Kristine.

The Indy singer/songwriter said she studied jazz in college, which she said was very helpful in expanding her repertoire.

“I went to college for music,” she said, studying jazz. “That was really helpful,” said Kristine.

Paul James Houghton watches as Kristine and followers cross Ocean Boulevard.
Photo by David Nash

A native of St. Louis, she moved to the west coast in 2017 to pursue her recording and performing career.

She, along with Busch, wrote each of the 12 songs on “Chapters,” including “The Other Side,” for which the video is being produced.

“I find near death experiences very fascinating,” said Kristine, “so I was listening to a lot of people recount their near-death experiences and just hearing about what they would experience in heaven.”

“On ‘the other side’ is similar to what I experienced personally, when I feel these breakthroughs in my life here on earth,” the singer said. “It’s like you suddenly see past the lies and the illusions of suffering and you have this new sense of freedom.”

“It’s like finding heaven on earth,” she said.

“And in that process, we become a more whole person. And then we emerge out of this suffering and pain onto the other side, which is kind of like a new, a new reality and a way of like a life that’s more peaceful, a life that’s full of more bliss,” she said.

Photo by David Nash
(TOP) Director Paul James Houghton, center, with camera and crew leading extras along with Lola Kristine to a spot on the Seal Beach pier where a stage had been erected for her to perform “The Other Side.”

Houghton said after completing the “visionary” planning for the shoot, they knew they would need plenty of extras. “We put out a request for background talent,” said Houghton, “and members of the Seal Beach community were quick to respond,” he said with a smile.
In addition, Houghton said his daughter London played the role of young Lola in the video, which also features dozens of extras playing roles in various locations around the city.
Baylee Corona, who produced the project, said Houghton, “tied everything together so the filming could begin.”

On the day of the shoot, Houghton’s crew set up a homebase inside O’Malley’s on Main Street, giving the cast a place to rest, make wardrobe changes, have refreshments, etc.
Even with the best of plans there are surprises, however, and the onset of nonstop rainstorms from the atmospheric river did threaten the shoot. Nevertheless, right on cue, the weather system moved out the night before the planned shoot, so the filming went on without a hitch.

“We were nervous from about 10 days before with the weather report,” said Houghton, “but the rain stopped the night before the shoot was scheduled and we were able to film.”
“Working with Lola has been fabulous,” the filmmaker said, noting the project went smoothly and brought many smiles to the city.

“Baylee and I are fans of both her music, and her wonderful personality, and we could not be prouder, more delighted or more honored to be part of this project,” he said.

Solidarity Walk & Prayer Vigil to honor victims and survivors of human trafficking

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Solidarity Walk & Prayer Vigil to honor victims and survivors of human trafficking
Courtesy photo

By Rosemary Lewallen

St. Irenaeus Health Ministry’s Bridge of Light: Human Trafficking to Human Triumph Ministry presented a powerful and prayerful program to honor victims and survivors of human trafficking on February 6 at St. Irenaeus Church. The event raised awareness of the scope of human trafficking in various forms hidden in our midst. The evening started with Taize chant, “Veni Sancti Spiritus” (Come Holy Spirit), led by Belinda Gonzalez, Betty Borowski, Rosalie Valles and Anthony Kocal, Music Director. A scripture reading was read by Deacon Jerry Pyne.

Human trafficking is modern day slavery that occurs in our local communities and around the world. Men, women and children are kidnapped or coerced into labor or sexual exploitation. It often begins with recruitment and grooming, then moves to trafficking and control. Only 2% of those trafficked ever recover or have a chance to heal. Human trafficking is the 2nd largest and fastest growing criminal enterprise in the U.S. with close to 70% being U.S. citizens. It has an estimated $150 BILLION in annual revenue, more money worldwide than Nike, Starbucks and Google COMBINED. According to a 2023 Global Slavery Index study, more people are trafficked in the United States than the total number of residents in the state of Wyoming. Human trafficking is most prevalent in societies with wide economic and social disparities. Fifty-five percent of forced labor victims and 98 percent of sex-trafficking victims are women and girls.

Labor trafficking includes forced work on farms, factories, hotels, restaurants, seafarers on cargo ships, fishers on fishing boats, and domestic help. Hours are long, conditions are poor, and victims labor for little or no money. Victims of sex trafficking may work in brothels, strip clubs, luxury homes in gated communities or on the streets. Aged-out foster youth who find themselves with nothing to eat, nowhere to stay and no means of support are most vulnerable. Victims are too afraid to speak up due to threats of harm from their traffickers.

A short film, “Native Hope: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and the Red Sand Project,” revealed the high rate of human trafficking among indigenous women and girls. It opened our eyes to the plight of native women in South Dakota, where the third leading
cause of death for indigenous women is murder. We also learned that California is 6th out of the top 10 states and San Francisco 10th out of the top ten cities with the highest number of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls’ cases.

Rima Nashashibi, Founder and President of Global Hope 365, spoke about child marriage, another form of modern-day slavery, which is legal in 40 out of 50 states. California is one of five states with no age limit for marriage. Child marriage is marriage before age 18. Her organization is promoting a digital letter writing campaign to California legislators to END CHILD MARRIAGE UNDER 18 – NO EXCEPTIONS. It is also working with cities and counties to pass resolutions. Cities in California with the highest rates of human trafficking are San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco, according to the FBI.

Cypress Mayor, Scott Minikus, a former Long Beach Police Sergeant, talked about the plight of victims of human trafficking who are assumed to be prostitutes when in fact, they are victims. He prayed for an end to this heinous crime.

Cypress Chief of Police, Mark Lauderback, spoke about the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force and their efforts to fight human trafficking. He said one agency can’t do it alone, and noted law enforcements’ victim-centered approach to human trafficking.
If you suspect a case of human trafficking, call the Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. If there is imminent danger, call 911.

Los Al Baseball team lose a ptichers duel in Loara Tourney

Ted Apodaca
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Los Al Baseball team lose a ptichers duel in Loara Tourney

l team had its opportunities, but couldn’t come up with the hit they needed in a 1-0 loss to Aliso Niguel High on Saturday in a Loara Tournament game at Glover Stadium in Anaheim.
The Griffins loaded the bases on a couple walks and a hit-by-pitch, but Aliso was able to get a strikeout to end the game. The Griffins also had an opportunity to plate a run in the second inning when Jason Reid lined a hard ground ball just inside the third base bag for a one-out double.

One out later, the Griffins drew a walk by Tyler Smith, but the Wolverines were able to get a strikeout to end the threat. Smith also had a two-out single in the fourth, but was put out at second on a fielder’s choice grounder to end that inning.

Los Al Head Coach Tony Fusco said that the Griffins needed to stay on top of pitches, especially on a field like Glover, that uses a football field as its outfield and gives outfielders plenty of room. He also noted that many of the fields league teams have, like Los Al’s home field, have big fields where deep fly balls often end up as easy outs.
You got to cut [pop ups] down, Fusco said. “And we didn’t do that today, we flew out way too much.”

But the Griffins are off to a good start in the early part of the season, at 2-1, after the Aliso game. They defeated Palos Verdes, 6-0, and Downey, 11-2, in their first two games. The pitching crew for the Griffins is on the young side, but talented, with a lot of Division 1 potential.

Sean Kasawara pitched five good innings, allowing just the one run, on a single that turned into a sacrifice RBI after two stolen bases.

The Griffins are scheduled to play Yucaipa on Thursday at 3 p.m. (weather permitting) in another Loara Tournament game. They will be at Marina High on March 6 at 3 p.m. The Griffins are looking to improve upon a 3-6 Sunset Surf League finish from last year. The league is a tough one with Huntington Beach, Edison and Fountain Valley the other three teams this year.

Goodman, Patel want again to discuss lifting of term limits

David N. Young
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Goodman, Patel want again to discuss lifting of term limits

The La Palma City Council has approved a motion to spend up to $50,000 of taxpayer funds to pay a consultant to help them have a conversation with their constituents about ending term limits in the city.

In a special meeting last week, Mayor Marshall Goodman and Council member Nitesh Patel questioned whether there were enough quality candidates to keep the city running smooth after they termed out. Therefore, they are proposing a series of community meetings to “have a dialog” with residents.

“For me, it’s a pretty long-standing issue,” said Goodman. “We have to do something about city leadership,” said Goodman. The mayor, who is termed out this year, said he was not proposing a dialog with constituents to benefit himself.
“I see things up here on the dais,” said Goodman, who said he feels compelled to bring them forward.

“I ran unopposed, and I didn’t go out and threaten anybody or anything like that,” said Goodman, “it’s just that no one ran in the election from my first term. Based on that and the lack of recruits signing up to go through its Citizens Academy, Goodman suggested it may be time to rethink term limits.

“I would love to know why citizens in 1996 decided to impose term limits,” said Goodman. “It really doesn’t make sense to limit it to two terms,” the mayor said. Three or four terms would make more sense for what he termed a “micro” city such as La Palma.

“That’s why I want to have a dialog with our residents,” the Mayor said. “Having a seat at the table would mean a lot for a “micro” city such as La Palma, said Goodman. He and Patel both suggested that longer terms would allow local officials who are serving in advisory roles to outside agencies to serve at higher levels and bring value to the city.

Patel, who in 2019 briefly put together an effort to study term limits, said he listened to what citizens wanted then, but perhaps things have changed since the pandemic in 2020.
Patel suggested, without citing evidence, that the overall candidate pool could shrink because the city has now switched to single-member districts.

“I think times and circumstances have changed since 2019,” said Patel. ?When the city elected officials on an at-large basis,” he said, the “pool” of candidates was seemingly larger. Now that the city has elected to transition to by-district elections, “it’s going to be hard to be able to find people in certain districts.”

“And if someone like Mayor Goodman is willing to serve, he can’t,” because he terms out in 2024, the Council member said. Patel terms out in 2026.

“I also think it is prudent to have that discussion with our residents,” said Patel.
Patel even suggested that if Goodman were not term-limited, and allowed to continue to serve, he might one day be elected Chair of the California League of Cities.

Council member Nitesh Patel.
Courtesy photo

Council members from every municipality are offered seats on boards of outside agencies such as OCFA and the state’s League of Cities. Prestigious they are, but most are little more than ceremonial positions.

However, Patel brought up cities like Stanton, and Buena Park where members can serve more terms on their Councils, therefore give them more fraternal time to theoretically climb the ladder to compete for higher ranking positions on these bodies.

“The first four years when you get elected, you’re just learning and I think our new council member can attest to that, pointing to Council member Janet Keo Conklin. “And during the next four years (another term), you’re trying to make an impact on these boards,” he said.
“But you have four years and then you’re done,” said Patel. Most of the people that I’ve seen, even in neighboring cities like Buena Park or Stanton, get three or more terms so then they can end up being the chair (of these external organizations),” he said.

Pointing to Goodman, Patel said “I could tell you the man sitting next to me (Goodman), if he had another four more years, I could say pretty confidently that he’d be the president of the California League of Cities.”

Former Mayor and currently Mayor Pro-tem, Mark Waldman, expressed skepticism. Waldman served two terms, sat out a term, and is now re-elected to the Council, a process which is currently allowed by the city’s two-term limit.
“It needs to be mentioned that the city has been well run under the existing two term limit,” Waldman informed Goodman and Patel. “I’d have to be pretty well convinced that the residents have changed their mind before I go against what eighty percent of residents approved in 1996,” he said.

“I don’t think that the system is quite as onerous (as suggested),” said Waldman. “Moving to districts has caused some issues, but we’re having our first election on districts this year, so I don’t know if it’s right yet to declare big problems for residents,” said Waldman.
By an overwhelming margin of more than 80 percent, La Palma voters approved a referendum in 1996 to limit La Palma Council members to serving two, four-year terms. Currently, there are no lifetime limits, meaning a standing council member can serve two terms, sit out a term, then run again.

Newly elected Council member Janet Keo Conklin said she already sees some value in leading external governmental and “I recognized what you are trying to achieve,” she said.
Most cities in the area like Seal Beach, Cypress, and Los Alamitos all have two-term limits and there is no reason to believe La Palma voters have changed their minds, said former Council member Keith Nelson, who wondered incredulously why term limits was back on the agenda.

“What are you talking about,” asked Nelson, wanting to know if the city was planning to ask voters to approve a term limit ban this year, in 2026 or when? “I’m just curious, when is your target date,” he wondered?

As a former Council member, Nelson said he served during the period when voters approved term limits, explaining a similar move began by members who wanted to continue serving beyond their two terms.

He said the city was present at a series of community meetings back then, but took no position on the issue. “And that’s important, because if it comes from you (City Council), that means you’re taking a position, it’s not neutral, so be careful with that.”

The idea of eight years (of service) is a tradition, it’s something the citizens voted 80/20 to approve in 1996,” he added. “Your concern about being on other committees, while it is a valid point, it doesn’t take eight years to become skilled at what you need to do. I don’t think making the change for change sake is appropriate,” said Nelson.

“And if it’s going to cost, and since you’re going to bring in a consultant, we’re talking about tens of thousands of dollars. I would implore you not to waste our citizens’ money on some survey,” he added.

Local activist Robert Caruth was even more blunt with the Council.

“I looked at five different national polls and 87 percent of citizens support term limits,” said Caruth, “As has already been stated, 80 percent of La Palma voted in 1996 for the current term limits we have,” he added. Our residents are not asking to discuss term limits, said Caruth.

In 2022, when Council members in Cerritos attempted to remove their two term limit, voters reaffirmed it with 80 percent in favor of keeping the limits, he said. In addition, “their little selfish ploy backfired” as voters came back and made it a two-term lifetime limit.

Caruth said he may now seek to get a two-term lifetime limit on the ballot. He said when the effort in 2019 threatened the two term limit, residents responded qiuckly. “Fortunately, residents responded with a grassroots campaign to protect our term limits and turned out to oppose the effort,” he said. “Now here you are, beating that same old tired drum you did four years ago.”“The originators of these study sessions are the council members who stand to benefit from expanding term limits. If you discuss anything, it should be to strengthen term limits,” he added.

“If you can’t get what you need to get done in eight years,” said Caruth, “maybe you’re in the wrong seat.”
The Council voted 5-0 to allow city manager Conal McNamara to spend up to $50,000 to engage a consulting firm to help the elected officials speak to their consitutents.

UCI Health comments on purchase of Los Al Medical, other hospitals

David N. Young
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UCI Health comments on purchase of Los Al Medical, other hospitals

Many residents were caught off guard last week when Tenet Healthcare announced they had agreed to sell four hospitals, essentially its Pacific Coast network of medical centers for $975 million UCI Health,

Los Alamitos Medical Center, located on Katella Ave., is one of the hospitals included in the transaction.

This week UCI confirmed the purchase and began to answer some of the questions surrounding the acquisition in a statement issued by a team of UCI officials, including Howard Gillman, Chancellor of the UC Irvine system.

The Regents of the University of California, on behalf of the University of California, Irvine, has entered into a definitive agreement with Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE: THC) to acquire Tenet’s Pacific Coast Network. The network will become part of UCI Health, the clinical enterprise of UC Irvine, it said in the statement.

“UC Irvine has deepened its healthcare commitment to the future of Orange County, our region and California,” said Gillman.

“This journey in healthcare is deeply intertwined with the University of California’s dedication to bettering our communities, expanding access to premier healthcare, and pioneering the medical innovations of tomorrow, today. Our vision will bridge gaps in regional care and reinforce UCI’s place among the nation’s leading academic health systems while advancing solutions to challenges facing healthcare,” he added.

Pending customary regulatory approvals, clearances, and closing conditions, the proposed acquisition should bring four medical centers in Lakewood, Los Alamitos, Fountain Valley and Placentia and associated outpatient locations into the UCI Health system, the Chancellor said.

UCI Health currently delivers care at UCI Medical Center in Orange and a growing network of multispecialty care centers.

“At UCI Health, we are excited to add these new care sites to the UCI Health network and extend the benefits of our compassionate, high-level care, clinical innovation, and scientific discovery,” said Chad Lefteris, president and chief executive officer of UCI Health.

“As Orange County’s only academic health system, UCI Health is unique in its ability to offer the highest level of advanced care powered by the research and innovation of a world-class public research institution,” he added.

The officials said UCI Health recognizes a unique opportunity to build on the quality care already being delivered in the communities served by Tenet Healthcare’s Pacific Coast Network.

“These four hospitals are well-regarded in their communities for providing high-quality, compassionate care,” said Saum Sutaria, M.D., chairman and chief executive officer of Tenet Healthcare. “The local communities will benefit from the nationally recognized advancements, medical knowledge, research, and community focus that UCI Health brings as an innovative academic health system. UCI Health recognizes a unique opportunity to build on the quality care already being delivered in the communities served by the Pacific Coast Network,” said Sutaria.

In a region with a population greater than that of two dozen states, UCI Health operates the only Level I trauma center, locally based National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, high-risk perinatal-neonatal service and is the largest regional burn center and leading provider of complex tertiary and quaternary care.

The system’s clinical excellence has consistently placed UCI Health in the top 10 for quality and safety among the nation’s leading comprehensive academic health systems.
The acquisition also means more patients will have access to advanced therapies in the region’s largest and most diverse portfolio of clinical trials, ranging from cancer to neurosciences, digestive diseases, orthopedics and internal medicine specialties, UCI said in the statement.

UCI Health and Tenet Healthcare’s Pacific Coast Network patients can continue receiving care at their local facilities as they normally would from the care teams they know and trust. The transaction is expected to be completed in spring 2024, subject to customary regulatory approvals, clearances, and closing conditions.

“It is a privilege to provide world-class care to Californians and we are excited to welcome the clinicians and co-workers from these Tenet Healthcare sites to UCI Health as partners in improving the health of local communities,” Lefteris said.

The ENE will continue to monitor the story and bring our readers the latest updates as they become available.

Lt. Col. Dan Fox to speak to Los Al Chamber

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Lt. Col. Dan Fox to speak to Los Al Chamber

The new base commander at Joint Forces Training Base will speak to the Los Al Chamber on March 1, they announced this week.

In addition, they announced that the event will be held at the new Epson America Building on Katella Ave. between the Los Alamitos Civic Center and the 605 Freeway.

“Join us for a special Chamber Breakfast as we hear Lieutenant Colonel Dan Fox, the Commander at Joint Forces Training Base, tell us about his plans/goals as Base Commander for JFTB, updates on the Base, and other interesting information,” the Chamber said.
Thus far, Fox has moved quickly to restore events such as “Race on the Base” that has been banned from the base in recent years.

In a meeting with regional military officials shortly after his arrival, Fox said he was sent to the base with a directive to ramp up civic engagement with local governments and civic groups.

“As this Breakfast is at Epson we will need your RSVP and email to send to Epson ASAP,” said Toni Hauger, the chamber official organizing the event.

She said the public is invited. Please pre-pay online at www.losalchamber.org. The price, which includes a full breakfast, is $35 for the public and $30 for members of the military and Chamber members.

“After the breakfast, if you have any questions on Epson printers and supplies, Donna Wolf can help you with anything you would like to know more about,” she said.
Epson America has been making news on a regular basis since moving to Los Al from Long Beach during the pandemic. The extensive renovations have turned the two building complex into a world class office campus for the city’s most notable high tech company.

Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry begins Feb. 16

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Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry begins Feb. 16

Tasty and inexpensive dinners, prepared to keep you out of the kitchen during the Lenten Season thanks to the Knights of Columbus at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church in Cypress begin February 16 through March 22.

The seafood dinners will be served on the six consecutive Friday evenings between 5 & 7 p.m.in the Church’s community center on Grindlay Street, between Lincoln and Orange in Cypress. You can enjoy your dining indoors or take it home.

On the menu will be full dinners of fish and chips, freshly-made cole slaw, roll and cookie for just $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for children 5-12 years of age. Also: two slices of Costco cheese pizza for $6. Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted. An added attraction will be a low-cost Raffle for a luxurious 3-night stay at the Hyatt’s Vacation Club Welk Resort in Escondido in mid-May.

The Council’s Grand Knight Chris Nsor says it’s more than delicious dinners, but a way to help local organizations such HSA (Home School Association); H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday); M.E.F.P.(Marriage Enrichment Formation Program); Special Olympics; American Wheelchair Mission; People With Intellectual Disabilities; La Habra Life Shelter; and other Knights of Columbus approved charities in Cypress and surrounding communities.

l-r, K of C Volunteer Jay Connell; Grand Knight Chris Nsor; and Knight Felipe Fernandez; Frying fish is Knight Jorge Rodriguez.
Photo by Irv Cuevas

The Knights of Columbus Cypress Council 8599 has been serving the local community and Saint Irenaeus Parish since 1984, and since beginning its Lenten Fish Fry dinners, thousands of meals have been served to parishioners and neighbors. The Council is composed of nearly 200 members, and extends an open invitation for others to join.
For more information, contact Council Chancellor Knight David Dunn at dadunn528@yahoo.com or Irv Cuevas Council Media Relations (562) 594-8081.

LAEF fundraiser raises more than $50,000 with new King and Queenf

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LAEF fundraiser raises more than $50,000 with new King and Queenf

The Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF) crowned their 2024 King and Queen at the Royal Gala on February 2nd at The Grand in Long Beach. The honors were bestowed upon Randy and Diana Hill. They were appointed to serve as the royal ambassadors for the year due to their strong ties to the Los Al community and their ongoing support of LAEF and Los Al kids.

A large crowd of supporters fill the ballroom of the Grand Hotel.

The Royal Gala is LAEF’s signature event and kicked off the “Fundraising February for Los Al Kids” campaign. This year, campaign proceeds will support “The Whole Child” through programs and funding at all nine Los Al Schools. Over 200 guests were in attendance and the total raised during the Gala alone was over $50,000! These funds were raised through live auction, opportunity drawing tickets, the Giving Wall, and the Fund the Need paddle raise. Business sponsorships, donations and the online auction will continue through the end of February and bring in additional funds to support kids.

LAEF Executive Director Carrie Logue said, “We are so grateful for the generous support from so many wonderful community members that attended our Gala. LAEF is honored to put these donations to work, so that all Los Al children will thrive.”

Representatives from Fundraising February’s top business sponsor – Clean Wave Express Car Wash – were on hand to celebrate LAEF’s 2024 King and Queen. Upon arrival, guests immediately entered the cocktail hour where they enjoyed music from a Los Al High School student Jazz Band combo and donated to the Giving Wall supporting LAEF programs.

Guests also enjoyed complimentary photo portraits and mingled with community members, parents, staff, and administration before sitting down for dinner. While enjoying dinner, the program began with Superintendent Dr. Andrew Pulver and Logue sharing the role of Master of Ceremonies.

The Hills were crowned by last year’s Queen, retired principal Erin Kominsky. A special video provided testimonials from colleagues and friends to give attendees personal reflections on their tremendous impact. After being crowned, Randy and Diana each talked about their time serving as LAEF Board President and the humble beginnings of LAEF. Both were proud to be a part of helping to build a strong foundation for LAEF, and transforming it into the professional, non-profit organization it is today. Randy and Diana encouraged those in attendance to take personal responsibility for improving our community. Diana finished her speech by coining Randy’s own principle in life and in business of always “leaving things better than you found them.” This theme resonated throughout their acceptance speeches.

Randy and Diana Hill have lived in Los Alamitos since 1992 and have been active community volunteers for 30+ years. Randy joined the LAEF Board as Vice President in 2009 and served as President from 2011-2015. He brought crucial leadership to LAEF and tirelessly attended community events to promote and inform. In 2017, Randy was appointed as a LAEF Board Member Emeritus. Diana served as LAEF Board President from 2007-09 expanding fundraising and establishing after-school and summer programs. In 2010, Diana was elected to the Los Alamitos USD Board of Education and continues to serve as the Trustee for Area 3. Randy and Diana have supported LAEF as business sponsors and auction item contributors since the 2013 inception of the King & Queen of Hearts campaign. They are Founding Members of the Los Al Leadership Circle, LAEF’s major donor group, and have been dedicated donors since 2018.

LAEF Board Chair Felicia Gonzalez remarked, “It was a successful and fun evening, and we are thrilled to have Randy and Diana as our 2024 Royals. We are excited to continue to support great programs and expand the ways we support Los Al Kids!”
LAEF is the non-profit partner of Los Alamitos Unified School District. LAEF enhances educational excellence by providing after-school and summer enrichment programs to children in grades Pre-K to 12. LAEF provides significant funding for mental health/wellness and STEAM instruction, as well as igniting new programs and providing valuable resources, to impact all students. For additional information on LAEF, please call (562) 799-4700 Extension 80424 or visit www.LAEF4Kids.org.

Term limits opens a conversation in La Palma

David N. Young
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Term limits opens a conversation in La Palma

Two Council members jabbed a political hornet’s nest in La Palma this week when they announced an attempt to extend their terms in office.
Mayor Marshall Goodman and Council member Nitesh Patel want to have a “conversation” with the community about term limits.

Both said in so many words that they believe they are doing an excellent job in office and are seemingly worried no one will step up to replace them to properly manage the city once they are gone. Goodman is termed out this year and Patel in 2026.

Accordingly, the La Palma Council unanimously voted 5-0 to spend up to $50,000 in taxpayer dollars to have a “conversation” with their constituents.

Goodman and Patel gave a host of reasons why they believe a two-consecutive limit does not best serve the “micro” city of La Palma and wondered why they should be denied the right to continue serving if they are willing.

They also point to the fact that less than a handful of residents have signed up for the Citizens Academy to find out how city government operates.

Others in the meeting, however, including an activist and a former Council member, claim La Palma voted 80/20 for term limits and that, across America, term limits are about the only thing Americans, both Republicans and Democrats, solidly agree.

Nevertheless, Goodman and Patel want to make their arguments directly to voters in a “conversation” with their constituents that will cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars.
Some in La Palma may consider it a bit rich, perhaps on the fringe of audacity to ask voters to give you more time to serve when you, as a Council, refuse to allow them to virtually attend city council meetings.

More importantly, what Mayor Goodman should also be asking himself is why did just a handful of citizens sign up for the Academy. Was it not promoted enough? Was it truly a lack of interest? Or maybe, just maybe, since the city refuses to fully allow citizens to see what’s going on at city hall, could it be the lack of consistent coverage of its meetings may have prompted a loss of interest.

Worse yet, maybe they feel unwanted. Rejected. Why should citizens be interested in getting involved when they are not even allowed to see the presentations made at city hall because there are no video cameras to transmit the meetings.

La Palma citizens are greeted with a black screen, sometimes with a city logo, and sometimes unintelligible and unmodulated audio but the lack of video prevents them from ever seeing what’s going on.

When Council member Janet Keo Conklin urged transparency more than a year ago, she proposed installing a new audio-visual system in city hall. “It would help us be more open and transparent to the rest of our community,” said Conklin. “It would make us more available to our residents.”

To be fair, Mayor Goodman seconded her motion and voted with Conklin, but the measure failed by a 3-2 vote.

Instead, the Council voted to spend a reported $50,000 to change a “microphone” in city hall to improve the audio. It didn’t help. As former city Council member Keith Nelson puts it last week, “your audio sucks.”

Let’s face it. we are living in the 21st century. We carry in our pockets screens that instantly connect us with a world of events. We visit bars, restaurants, and even doctors’ offices have screens with video and audio. Yet not in La Palma’s city hall.

Have we not reached a point in the digital age, where it is time for governments and their agencies to peer outside their comfortable bubbles to see how quickly and radically the real world has shifted?

Cameras, switchers and digital equipment cost much less than they voted to spend on a conversation, they could invite citizens into city hall for every meeting.

Goodman (and Patel especially, who voted against the transparency option), should consider installing a modern system so at least citizens know they are welcome to watch the leaders they elected spend their money. Give them a front row seat.

And what happens during the big “conversation” with the community. Will the playback of this “conversation” also be limited to audio only? What about those who cannot attend in person, will they not be able to participate or at least “watch” it afterwards?

While the circumstances may be questionable, for the city of La Palma to seek an overall “conversation” with its residents is a good thing, something every local government should consider on a regular basis.

When the conversation begins, don’t limit it to term limits. Talk about the future of the community, economic development, housing, recreation, etc. Understanding the will of the community, its hopes and aspirations can only help to find a path back to the public interest.

To be sure, La Palma is generally very gracious during its regular “oral communications” with residents. A few minutes, once a month, however, this may not be enough, and we understand how difficult it is to have a meaningful discussion with a busy community like La Palma.

What citizens decide about term limits remains to be seen, yet providing citizens wirh the opportunity to fully experience meetings virtually could facilitate conversations worth having for many years to come.

“Material Recovery” art show opens in San Pedro

David N. Young
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“Material Recovery” art show opens in San Pedro

A 28-year Seal Beach resident Diane McLeod is a visual artist who doesn’t believe in the stereotype of the “loner artist,” although she has spent plenty of time creating artwork on her own.

In a press release she issued this week, McLeod said one way she disproves the myth pf the loner artist is by her participation in three different artists’ groups, particularly Lynk Collective, established in Irvine in 2017 and named in homage to the art instructor and collaborative printmaker Nguyen Ly.

The collective’s two dozen members collaborate on projects and exhibitions using a wide variety of printmaking techniques, and their latest exhibition, Material Recovery: Printmaking with Recycled Materials, is currently on view at Angels Gate Cultural Center in San Pedro.

Curated by Christina Yasmin Fesmire and Jared Millar, the show originated with the idea of using reclaimed items, such as the cardboard packaging that flows through the nearby Port of Los Angeles, to make art. The show brings attention to the fact that these resources will end up in the landfill if not recycled or reused.

All of the artwork in the show was made from recycled materials in one way or another. A playful example is the Discard project, a recent collaborative venture in which the artists gathered together to exchange a few prints that they had given up on, perhaps shoved to the back of drawers, and considered beyond redemption. Participants took their newly-adopted discards back to their studios and, looking at them with fresh eyes, performed a bit of creative magic. Some passed their work on to a third or fourth printmaker for additional contributions. The results of this project can now be seen on the second floor gallery at Angel’s Gate, in a building which itself is a discarded and recycled World War II military barracks.

For her painting Unraveled, McLeod cut existing collaborative prints by Laura Shapiro and Jared Millar into narrow strips and wove them back together, with added dangling figures. Tracy Loreque Skinner began the green and yellow They Only Come Out at Night as an 8” x 10” experiment that McLeod expanded into a larger 11” x 30” piece.

McLeod’s Phantom Sailing Ship is another print created with recycled materials, part of a large installation of prints by multiple Lynk Collective artists, each print measuring 24” x 24” and hung together to resemble the colorful shipping containers seen driving over the Vincent Thomas Bridge.

Material Recovery is a unique and resourceful exhibition that is well worth a trip across the bridge to San Pedro, perhaps with a group of friends or family. Open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the show runs through March 23, 2024, at Angels Gate Cultural Center, 3601 South Gaffey St., San Pedro. A closing reception, artist talk, and catalog release party will be held March 23 at 2 p.m. Gallery entry is free to the public.

For more info, visit https://angelsgateart.org/exhibitions/material-recovery.

Fast start propels Los Al boys to lopsided win

Ted Apodaca
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Fast start propels Los Al boys to lopsided win

With the extra rest a first-round bye gave the Los Alamitos High boys basketball team, the Griffins were able to jump on Canyon of Anaheim and roll to a 73-46 win in the second-round of the Ford CIF-SS Championship boys basketball playoffs on Friday at Los Al High.

Within the first few minutes the Griffins had built an 18-3 lead and they kept the Comanches at bay the rest of the way. Canyon made some runs later in the game, but were never able to put enough together to close the gap significantly. Canyon had battled for a 61-59 first-round win over Rancho Cucamonga two days prior. The Griffins, who already play an up-tempo style on both offense and defense, seemed to get a boost right from the opening tipoff.

“So that was an advantage for us, that we took advantage of early, … we came out firing with a lot of energy, I think we wore them down a little bit,” Los Al Head Coach Nate Berger said after the game.

Late in the second quarter, the Comanches had cut the lead to 35-23, but Los Al junior Kedric Delaney hit a baseline three-pointer and was fouled on the shot. He made the free throw to complete the four-point play and the Griffins eventually took a 42-26 lead into halftime.

Five Griffins finished with double digits in points, led by Wesley Trevino with 14 points and Samori Guyness with 13. Liam Gray and Trent Minter each had 12 points and Delaney finished with 10. Isaiah Wempe had seven and Jordan Taylor added 5. And every player that scored had at least one three-pointer.

Berger noted that the only real struggles came from trying to slow their preferred pace in order to work time off the clock. But overall, he was very happy with how the team played on both ends of the court. He was also impressed with the mental focus of his players, saying that when they disagreed with calls against them, there was no lapse in concentration over them.

“I thought we’d played with the most maturity and mental toughness that we’ve had all year, so, if that’s the way we’re trending, I am very happy about that moving forward,”Berger said.

tThe Griffins (24-5) advanced to the quarterfinals on Tuesday (past ENE press time) where they faced second-seeded Windward High (26-3) of Los Angeles. The Wildcats are the Gold Coast League Champions. The winner advances to the semifinals on Friday.

Griffin girls basketball streak of 12 games ends

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Griffin girls basketball streak of 12 games ends

The Los Alamitos girls basketball team’s 12-game win streak and 2024 season came to an abrupt end on Saturday, Feb. 10, with a 42-54 road loss to No. 10 ranked Beckman in the second round of the CIF Southern Section 2A playoffs.

Ranked No. 7 in Division 2A, the Griffins (24-6) had advanced to the second round by defeating Pioneer 65-49 in the first round of playoffs on Thursday, February 8, at Los Alamitos.

In the Saturday loss to the home-team Patriots, the normally hot-shooting Griffins started ice cold as they missed every three-point shot taken in the first half and fell behind the Patriots 15-28. Beckman (20-8) expanded its lead to 19 points in the third quarter before the Griffins belatedly made a spirited comeback and outscored the Patriots 17-10 in the final frame.

Senior point guard and last season’s Surf League co-MVP Kayli Liew led the Griffins with 16 points. Senior guard Megan Lee scored 8 points to go along with 5 steals and 2 assists, and sophomores Tam Yoshida and Maya Asumbrado chipped in 7 points and 6 points respectively.

“It just wasn’t our night, but I’m very proud of how well the girls played all year,” said Coach Maya De Anda. “We had a very good season, winning a tournament championship and our second consecutive Surf League championship. We’ll miss our four graduating seniors a lot and it will be strange without them, but in a few weeks we’ll be back in the gym putting in the work for next season.”

In the earlier first-round victory over Pioneer (12-17), the Griffins hit 12 threes and had four players score in double figures, led by Asumbrado and Yoshida with 14 points each. Liew had 13 points and a whopping 8 assists to go along with 6 rebounds, a steal and a blocked shot. Lee scored 10 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.

Senior center Kassidy Beach had 12 rebounds, 5 points, and 2 blocked shots. Junior Bryn Pagett grabbed 9 rebounds to go along with 6 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals.

In January, The Griffins were undefeated and won the 2024 Surf League championship by sweeping league opponents Fountain Valley (16-13), Corona del Mar (13-15), and Edison (8-21) for a 6-0 league record. They also defeated the other four Sunset Conference teams (who play in the Wave League): Marina (21-9), Huntington Beach (17-12), Newport Harbor (9-18), and Laguna Beach (7-21), to finish 10-0 in conference and league play combined.

Randy and Diana Hill crowned King and Queen of LAEF for 2024

David N. Young
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Randy and Diana Hill crowned King and Queen of LAEF for 2024

The crowning of a new king and queen by the Los Alamitos Educational Foundation at its “Royal Gala” this week provided donors with a bit of pomp and plenty of circumstance.
More than 250 supporters jammed into a large meeting room inside the Grand Hotel in Long Beach to support LAEF, a nonprofit that serves as a fundraising organization associated with the Los Al Unified School District.

Traditionally, the King and Queen work with the district and the community to raise funding to support LAEF’s programs.

The symbolic crowning of Randy and Diana Hill as LAEF “King and Queen” for 2024 reflected the Los Al couple’s decades-long commitment to public education, and their reflections made for some interesting observations about early LAEF.

During a video testimonial shown before the actual presentation, Carrie Logue, Executive Director of LAEF, said Randy and Diana Hill have worked “tirelessly” on behalf of public education. “No one deserves this more than you,” she said.

Los Al Unified Superintendent Andrew Pulver, Ed.D., said this:

“Everything they do is on behalf of our youth,” he said. “They don’t do anything to seek recognition for themselves. Everything they do is to enhance the lives of youth in our community.”

Once adorned with their crowns, the new King and Queen took their place on the stage. Diana went first.

“I’m very honored to be crowned the queen of LAEF and I want to thank the board and those who nominated us,” she said. “There were so many deserving people in this community,” said Hill,

Today, Diana Hill is in her third term as an elected member of the Los Alamitos Unified School District’s Board of Trustees. Nevertheless, she and her husband Randy have both played key roles in LAEF’s ascension over the past decade.

Diana served as President of LAEF before being elected to the Board of Trustees. She recalled a story involving former Weaver principal Erin Kominsky (now retired and a former LAEF Queen).

While well-funded for instruction, the district “does not get a lot of funding for technology and infrastructure,” said Hill.

Before she was elected to the Los Al Unified Board of Trustees, Diana served as President of LAEF’s Board. She said Kominsky installed “smart boards” in all her classrooms at Weaver, Hill said she called then Superintendent Dr. Sherry Kropp, and said, “we need to get that technology throughout the whole district.”

“We knew it would take money to achieve and that’s when the Summer Enrichment Institute was born,” said Hill. She said “two dynamic women, Kropp and Ondrea Reed (now serving as Deputy Supt.), made that happen.

Today the summer institute offers more than 200 courses.

For Hill, she said their work in education is a blessing. “Giving back to this district that gave so much to our family is a privilege, but I also believe it’s a responsibility,” she said.
Before introducing her husband Randy, and now King of LAEF for 2024, she said her husband has always been guided by a simple principle, in life and in business, of always “leaving things better than you found them.”

She said her husband served as President of LAEF from 2011 – 2015. “During his years as President, he helped grow LAEF into a self-sustaining, professionally run organization whose goals are to support Los Al Unified and all the children and families of this district,” Mrs. Hill said.

“I don’t get a chance to do this very often, so please excuse me while I sing his praises,” she said.

Randy Hill, who it was said also pioneered the “team” concept in real estate, was gracious in his acceptance of kingship.

“First of all, I do want to thank those who nominated us. We are grateful and it is humbling when I consider the generous contributions of past kings and queens,” said Hill.
“It’s great to have friends or family here tonight,” he added.

“During the lifetime of the Los Alamitos Educational Foundation, and it’s impact on our community, I believe LAEF has made a larger impact than most of us realize,” he said. “It is the result of the hard work and day-to-day staff,” he added, “and they have been in the trenches for years now.’

Hill said even during his day, most everyone was a volunteer. “We had no money,” said Hill, but the board knew they somehow “needed to get to the next level.”
He said LAEF did manage to hire Reed to get the summer classes going, “and that was truly the beginning of something great.”

“We realized that we needed to become sustainable,” said Hill. “After all, we could not go backward and fail to offer exceptional learning to the students in our district,” he added.
In short, Hill explained how the many men and women who served on the LAEF board managed to create a new model of fundraising, even hiring a part-time Executive Director and once the organization’s model began to set roots and grow, they hired Carrie Logue, the current Executive Director, whom Hill called a “superior leader” and the new face of LAEF.

Under Logue, LAEF and its board have moved in new areas and have made significant investments in the education system.

Logue said LAEF has invested approximately $540,000 in mental health resources, providing “Well Spaces” in all district schools where students can find safe harbor. In addition, the funds and grants have provided counselors and mental health experts across the entire district landscape.

Traditionally, LAEF has provided technology for schools, including more than $520,000 to support STEM and STEAM activities of all types throughout the district. LAEF has invested more than a quarter million in fee waivers and scholarships for students and paid more than $1.1 million in payments for use of district facilities.

Logue said LAEF will now work with Randy and Diana Hill for the coming year to partner with the community on various fundraising projects to support the district.
LAEF uses its funding to supply schools within the district with programs, technology, and other needed assets that fall outside of the district’s budget. Logue said LAEF will release exact results of the fundraiser in the coming weeks.

“It really takes a village to do this incredible work,” said Logue, thanking the community leaders who had bid on a host of items, trips and other things to raise money for their projects. “Thanks to you, we will be able to do even more.”

Race on the Base returns to Joint Forces Training Base

David N. Young
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Race on the Base returns to Joint Forces Training Base

After military and elected officials hinted that the long-awaited return of a series of popular events to the massive military base in the city of Los Alamitos would return, it was made official this week.

“The Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department is proud to announce the return of Race on the Base,” the city announced in a press release.
In addition, the city announced that the city’s waste hauler, Universal Waste Systems (UWS), would be the named sponsor of the race.

Courtesy photo

Lt. Col. Dan Fox, the new base commander, suggested legal problems that prevented the event from being held on the base in recent years had been worked out. Fox suggested part of his new role as Commander of the base would be to enhance community relations.
“We look forward to the return of “Race on the Base,” he told regional military officials two months ago, hinting also that other events held on the base may also return.

“The ever-popular Reverse Sprint Triathlon and 5K Run/Walk will occur on Saturday, April 13, at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base (11200 Lexington Dr., Los Alamitos),” the city announced in its press release.

According to Los Al Recreation and Community Services officials, the Reverse Sprint Triathlon consists of a 5K Run, a 13-mile bike, and a 200-meter swim.
They said registration is now open at www.raceonthebaselosal.com with the 5K Run/Walk costing $29 to enter, the Reverse Sprint Triathlon will cost $70 to enter and the Relay-Reverse Sprint Triathlon $100.

After Feb. 11, the cost of entry will continue to increase as the event draws near.
On-site registration will be available during packet pick-up times on Friday and Saturday and discounts are available for first responders.
For military, police, and fire personnel, please use the discount code “HER02024” for a $5 discount during registration, the city said. Military, police, or fire identification will be required at packet pick-up.

Event Information:
Friday, April 12, 2024
Bib Pick-Up/Registration/Packet Pick-Up
The Joint Forces Training Base (11200 Lexington Dr, Los Alamitos, CA 90720)
3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 13, 2024
5:30 a.m. – Bib Pick-Up/Registration/Packet Pick-Up
5:30 a.m. – Transition Area Open
7:00 a.m. – Reverse Triathlon Wave 1 Starts

Rossmoor Woman’s Club presents scholarships

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Rossmoor Woman’s Club presents scholarships

At a recent meeting, The Rossmoor Woman’s Club recognized Dana Kim and Jordan Shen as Los Alamitos High School Students of the Month for December and January respectively. The club presented each of the teens with a $500 scholarship.

Dana is president of the senior class and a three-year member of the Associated Student Body student government. During her freshman year, she founded the debate team, which went on to take a second-place award in the national competition. She also serves on the board of Model United Nations and is a member of the California Scholarship Federation.
Outside of school, Dana volunteers with a local food bank. After high school, she plans to major in political science and hopes to pursue a career in law.

Jordan is currently Design Commissioner for the school’s Link Crew, which helps welcome and orient incoming freshmen. She is a board member for Growing Up STEM, and a member of the California Scholarship Federation and National Honor Society. Jordan is passionate about science, and she received an AP Scholar with Distinction award. She’s also a four-year varsity tennis player and has played both singles and doubles.

Outside of school, she enjoys volunteering at the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center and the Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy. She also has volunteered at the Aquarium of the Pacific for the past three years, as a VolunTEEN and leader of the Teen Climate Council’s Design Committee. In the future, Jordan hopes to delve deeper into her interests in science, art, and the environment.

The Rossmoor Woman’s Club, an affiliate of the International General Federation of Women’s Clubs, is a non-profit social and philanthropic group that’s been serving the local community since 1958. Though it was founded in Rossmoor, members do not have to live in the Rossmoor neighborhood. Membership is open to anyone interested.

Officials confirm sale of Los Al Medical Center

David N. Young
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Officials confirm sale of Los Al Medical Center

In a deal arranged to purportedly help pay the company’s debt, Tenet Healthcare Corp., headquartered in Dallas, is selling four hospitals in Southern California, one of which is in Los Alamitos, to UCI Health in a $975 million cash deal.

According to a statement released by Tenet, the sale includes Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, Lakewood Regional Medical Center, Los Alamitos Medical, Placentia-Linda Hospital and related operations.

The ENE reached out to Los Alamitos Medical Center officials for comment.
Jennifer Bayer, a local spokesperson for the four hospitals being sold, confirmed the statement and subsequent reports. “It’s true,” said Bayer, confirming the sale of the four medical centers, noting however that she was not authorized to say any more than that.
In addition, ENE has reached out to UCI Health in Irvine, but have not been able to get additional plans as yet.

The statement issued by Tenet confirmed that UCI Health, based in Irvine, is purchasing the four Southern California hospitals. They are the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine. The UCI Medical Center — the primary teaching location for the UCI School of Medicine — is a 459-bed acute care hospital.

Tenet, one of the largest investor-owned hospital companies in the country, estimates after-tax proceeds of about $800 million after the transaction is complete in the spring of 2024. Its subsidiary, Conifer Health Solutions, will continue to provide revenue cycle management through the transition.

The statement claims the four hospitals that were included in the deal had $1 billion in revenues in 2023, resulting in pre-tax income of approximately $29 million.

“Our four hospitals have provided high-quality care for Orange County and Los Angeles County residents for over 50 years,” said Tenet CEO and chairman Dr. Saum Sutaria.

“UCI Health is an innovative academic health system with a deep commitment to enabling accessibility to world-class, academic medicine closer to home. Integrating these hospitals into their health system will meaningfully enhance access to the benefits of university medicine,” he added.

News reports indicated that this deal comes just a few months after Tenet announced it would also sell three of its South Carolina hospitals for approximately $2.5 billion in cash. Tenet said it expected to realize total proceeds of approximately $1.75 billion as part of the sale, which was completed last week.

The company reported revenues of more than $19 billion in 2022 and $15 billion for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2023, up 7% year-over-year, according to financial filings. Fourth quarter and year-end results for 2023 will be announced in early February, Sutaria told Wolf.

Overall, Tenet operates 58 acute care and specialty hospitals and about 160 outpatient facilities. Its subsidiary United Surgical Partners International is the largest ambulatory platform in the U.S. and operates or has ownership interests in more than 480 ambulatory surgery centers and surgical hospitals.

Los Al awarded Certificate of Excellence in financial reporting

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Los Al awarded Certificate of Excellence in financial reporting

The City Council was pleased to recognize Finance Director Craig Koehler at its Council meeting on January 16, 2024, for receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, the city of Los Alamitos has announced in a press release.
The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) recognized the City of Los Alamitos for Excellence in Financial Reporting for our annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2022, according to the city.

A GFOA impartial panel judged the report to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate the City’s financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report, it said.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. This represents a significant accomplishment by the City of Los Alamitos, its management team, and the Finance Department.
Mayor Jordan Nefulda states “I would like to acknowledge the Finance Department for their continued success and appreciate the tremendous work put into our City’s financial reporting.”

Getting Super in the Bowl

David N. Young
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Getting Super in the Bowl

Who could have imagined what would become of the first AFL-NFL World Championship Game, played in Los Angeles at the Memorial Coliseum on Jan. 15, 1967.
According to the NFL, the average ticket price for the big game was $12. But then again, it was then, just another playoff game to determine the champion of both major NFL leagues.
Actually, it was just a “game” until 1969.

Who could’ve thought that a child’s toy would’ve been the inspiration for the name of the greatest spectacle in professional sports? It’s safe to say that not even Lamar Hunt, the man who is credited with coining the “Super Bowl” name, could have thought that his idea — let alone the game itself — would become the cultural phenomenon that it is today.

To understand fully, we have to go back to Lamar Hunt’s inability to acquire an NFL franchise so he started his own league, the American Football League, with slightly different rules to make the game more exciting.
Then came “Broadway” Joe Namath and Jack Kemp of the Buffalo Bills as interest in the AFL exploded.

Before the 1966 season, Hunt, who was also the owner of the Chiefs, reportedly wrote a letter to Pete Rozelle, then Commissioner of the NFL, to inquire about a match between the winner of his AFL champion and Rozelle’s NFL champion.

“If possible, I believe we should ‘coin a phrase’ for the Championship Game,” Hunt wrote, according to Michael MacCambridge’s book, “America’s Game.” “I have kiddingly called it the ‘Super Bowl,’ which obviously can be improved upon.”

Hunt reportedly got the name “Super Bowl” after watching his kids play with a “Superball” capable of wild bounces and spins. According to MacCambridge’s book, Rozelle didn’t like the “Super Bowl” because it lacked sophistication. Neither did AFL owners.
In fact, media tried branding the first game as “The World Series of Football,” but it went nowhere. A few players started throwing around Hunt’s “Super Bowl” term and it took off. By Super Bowl III, in 1969, there was no more denying.
From $12 a ticket in ‘67, economy priced tickets for Super Bowl 58 began at $7,000. Already, Vegas has sold out of parking spots for private jets as the “game” is now a spectacle. An event of massive proportion, and super exciting for those who can afford to attend.

“You don’t have to be a football fan to celebrate the Super Bowl,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said in a statement.

“Whether it’s to see who wins, watch the halftime show and commercials or just get together with friends, this is the biggest party since New Year’s Eve.
Spending is expected to be at one of the highest levels we’ve seen. And retailers are ready whether you need food, team jerseys, decorations or a new TV.”

“From a commercial perspective, there’s no other sporting event — nationally or globally — that’s like the Super Bowl,” said Mike Edwards, an associate professor of community sport at NC State. An estimated 60% of all Americans viewed the 2023 Super Bowl, he said.
“I don’t think there’s any question that the NFL is the Super Bowl’s biggest winner when it comes to who’s making the most money from the event,” Edwards said. “It’s a commercial success for them.”

Except for sports betters, profits and losses won’t be on the minds of the 115 million Americans expected to be tuning in Sunday. It is a spectacle and many Americans love spectacle, bigger the better..

Let’s face it, football is the most popular sport in America. According to the nonprofit Pew Research Institute, one of the country’s most respected contemporary public opinion organizations, football is the favorite of 53% of Americans, followed by baseball at 27 percent, basketball at 9 percent and soccer at 3 percent.

Say what you will about the Super Bowl, it demonstrates in dramatic fashion that two organizations, filled with energetic players can meet on the field of battle, on the world’s biggest stage and physically compete for dominance for more than one hour.

Despite the power, the prestige and celebrity of winning the Super Bowl, it never fails that after the game is over, the two teams make it a point to meet at the center of the field to shake hands, congratulate each other on victory, before moving on.

It is a show of compassion and good will, that I believe, induces a positive feeling of sportsmanship that keeps bitterness from creeping into the game.
Now, if only we could teach politicians to demonstrate the same sportsmanship, the nation would be so much better off.

But if the past is any predctior of the future, they won’t, so enjoy the Super Bowl and just be happy Congress has nothing to do with it.

Area sports roundup

Ted Apodaca
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Area sports roundup

Lots of local teams headed to basketball, soccer playoffs. Los Alamitos had all four of its soccer, basketball teams capture league titles, with the soccer teams clinching on the final game of the regular seasons.
The Griffin girls soccer team is among the Elite Eight to get placed in the Open Division and will playing a Champions League format (see more below).

Girls Soccer
Open Division
Los Alamitos (15-5-4) vs. Capistrano Valley (18-2-1), Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
The Griffins captured the Surf League title with a 4-1-1 record, outscoring their final six opponents by a combined 18-7. However, their only league loss came in that stretch with a 2-1 overtime loss to Huntington Beach. Still, the Griffins managed to stay ranked in the top 8 teams in the CIF-SS poll and were slotted into the Open Division Playoffs.
The Open Division plays a “Champions League style, where teams play the same opponent twice and the team with the highest cumulative score advances to the quarterfinals. The eight teams, in order of ranking, are; Santa Margarita, Santiago/Corona, Capistrano Valley, Millikan, Mira Costa, Los Alamitos, Mater Dei, and Oaks Christian.
After Thursday’s game at Los Alamitos, the Griffins will travel to Capistrano Valley for their second game on Saturday at 11 a.m. Santa Margarita plays Oaks Christian, Mira Costa plays Millikan, and Mater Dei plays Santiago. Four teams will advance to the quarterfinals on Feb. 14, with the semifinals on Feb. 17 and the championship game on Feb. 23.

Division 1
Huntington Beach (15-5-3) at Troy (11-2-2), Thursday at 5 p.m.
The Oilers finished third in the Surf League and will travel to take on the Freeway League Champs in a first-round game.
Newport Harbor (14-6-4) No. 2 out of the Surf League is also in the bracket with a first-round game at home against West Torrance on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Sunset Conference teams out of the Wave League, Edison and Corona del Mar are also among the field. Nearby Pacifica/Garden Grove, Empire League Champs, are also in the bracket and have a first-round bye.

Division 3
Cypress (11-6-1) at El Rancho (15-4), Thursday at 3 p.m.
The Centurions reached the playoffs as the No. 2 team out of the Empire League. They will travel to El Rancho, the No. 2 team out of the Del Rio League.

Boys Soccer
Los Alamitos (12-9-2) vs. Palos Verdes (10-9-2), Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
After an erratic start, the Griffins went 5-0-1 down the stretch and swept its final three against Surf League opponents to take the league title with a 4-1-1 record. The Griffins needed a 2-1 overtime win over Newport Harbor in their final regular season game to prevent sliding down into third place.
The Griffins now open the playoffs against the Palos Verdes Sea Kings, which enters the playoffs as the No. 2 team out of the Bay League. Edison, which finished second in the Surf League behind the Griffins are also in the bracket with a first-round game at Sierra Vista, the No. 1 team out of the Montview League.

Division 2
Huntington Beach (6-8-5) vs. Wilson/LB (9-6-3), Wednesday at 5 p.m.
The Oilers won the Wave League championship and will host the Bruins, who earned an at-large berth out of the Moore League.

Girls basketball
Division 1
Cypress (14-13) at Santiago/Corona (17-9), Thursday at 7 p.m.
Cypress is No. 2 out of Empire League and Santiago is No. 2 out of the Big VIII League.

Division 2A
Los Alamitos (23-5) vs. Pioneer (12-15), Thursday at 7 p.m.
Los Alamitos No. 1 out of Surf League, while Pioneer is No. 3 out of 605 League. For more on the Griffins see page 6.

Division 3A
Huntington Beach (16-12) at Segerstrom (22-6), Thursday at 7 p.m.
Huntington Beach is No. 2 out of Wave League and Segerstrom is No. 2 out of Golden West League.

Division 4AA
Marina (20-8) vs. Norwalk (13-15), Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
Marina is the No. 1 team out of the Wave League, Norwalk is No. 3 out of the Mid-Cities League.

Canyon/Anaheim (17-11) vs. Avalon (), Thursday at 2 p.m.
Canyon is No. 2 team out of North Hills League, Avalon is No. 3 team out of Academy League.

Boys Basketball
Division 1
Los Alamitos (23-5) vs. Canyon/Anaheim-Rancho Cucamonga winner, Friday at 7 p.m.
The Surf League Champion Griffins received a first-round bye and will host the winner of the Canyon/Rancho Cucamonga game.
The Griffins started the season strong and have continued to play at a high level most of the season. They went 6-0 in Surf League, while Newport Harbor, Edison, and Fountain Valley all went 2-4, as they exchanged wins over each other, but could not got past Los Al. All four teams also made the playoffs and Fountain Valley was the only one with less than 20 wins at 16. Fountain Valley was ranked No. 11 in the final CIF-SS Division 2AA poll and Newport Harbor was No. 6 in Division 2A.
Los Alamitos has pushed tempo all season. They have speed and plenty of players who can shoot. They press teams from the start and look to wear them down, and Head Coach Nate Berger has been pleased with the progress.
“I’m proud of the team, I thought we got a lot better during the year,” Berger said.
Along with that, the Griffins played some top teams out of conference and league, such as Mater Dei, Etiwanda and De la Salle. And the games they didn’t win, were competitive.
Head Coach Nate Berger said the way his team was able to battle in the trenches was impressive.
“The way we’ve been able to play against bigger, taller, and stronger teams,” Berger said.

Edison (20-8) at West Ranch (14-14), Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Second place team out of the Surf League, Edison, will travel to West Ranch High, to face the No. 2 team out of the Foothill League.

Division 2A
Marina (21-7) vs. Beverly Hills (15-11), Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Wave League Champions, Marina, will host the No. 2 team out of the Ocean League.

Cypress (21-6) vs. Beaumont (20-6), Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Empire League Champions, Cypress, will host the No.2 team out of the Citrus Belt league.

Division 3A
Huntington Beach (15-13) at Gahr (18-8), Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Huntington Beach is the No. 3 team out of the Wave League. Gahr is the No. 1 team out of the Mid-Cities League.

Division 5A
Avalon (9-14) vs. Anaheim (10-16), Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Avalon won the Express League title and will host the No. 3 team out of the Orange League.

Griffins win seventh consecutive title

For Event-News Enterprise
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Griffins win seventh consecutive title

Photo by Donnegan Lobo
The Los Alamitos Girls Soccer team closed out the Surf League with a 3-0 win over Marina High on Wednesday and subsequently won the league title for the 7th year in a row. Goals were scored by Bailey Fernley, Victoria Bloch and Zamaorah Malinoski.

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